In the spring of 2012, Uncharted Lead Game Designer Richard Lemarchand left Naughty Dog, and spent the summer traveling the world in a series of adventures worthy of Nathan Drake (though with far fewer gunfights and explosions). In August, he returned to California and “following his passion for games and play as art and culture“ began life as an associate professor in the famous Interactive Media and Games program at the University of Southern California.

The Masterclass on 2 July 2013 hosted by Glasgow Caledonian and in association with IGDA Scotland, will tell the story of Richard's transition from AAA console game designer to game design professor, and the challenges he faced in learning how to teach the "dark art" of game design. Richard will talk about the positive impact that indie games, art games and experimental games can have on the design of blockbuster games like Uncharted, and will describe the incredible opportunities for success he sees for all teachers and researchers who adopt a playful, game designerly attitude in their practice.

A passionate advocate of indie and experimental games, Richard has been involved with the IndieCade International Festival of Independent Games for several years. He organizes the annual GDC Microtalks, a session that celebrates games and play with short talks by diverse speakers, and he is a faculty member of the GDC Experimental Gameplay Sessions.

Should you have any queries regarding the event, please contact Chris Cadogan on 0141 331 8402 or by email on chris.cadogan@gcu.ac.uk.